WorkSafe has released new guidance to get more defibrillators in workplaces

The guidance on the use of automated defibrillators has been created and published to help promote safer workplaces.

WorkSafe Health and Safety Executive Director Julie Nielsen urged all employers to think about how likely it was that someone will suffer a cardiac arrest in their workplace.

"Very few people survive a cardiac arrest without swift assistance and the use of an AED might be the difference between life and death," Ms Nielsen said.

AED devices and training on how to use them have become more and more commonplace with an estimated 19,000 AED devices installed in workplaces across Victoria. As the speed at which people having a cardiac arrest receive treatment can be the difference between life and death.

Newer AED machines are designed to be able to be used without training, instead using images and vocal instructions to convey instructions to the user.

WorkSafe published the guidance along with the following tips for installing AEDs at a worksite:

• Locate AEDs in well known, visible and accessible locations.
• Ensure AEDs are properly set up and ready to use.
• Do not keep AEDs locked away.
• Register AEDs with Ambulance Victoria to enhance ease of access.
• Demonstrate the use of AEDs to staff so they know how simple the process is.
• Undertake routine maintenance checks.

Read more here: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2019-07/call-more-life-saving-defibrillators-workplace

WorkSafe events
A reminder of two upcoming events which will provide an opportunity to meet the WorkSafe Agriculture Practice Team. Anyone with farm safety issues should get along to one of these. The team at the WorkSafe stand is keen to have a chat, hear about approaches to managing on-farm safety and about any new and innovative safety solutions. There will be information and guidance materials for people to take away.

1. Mallee Machinery Field Days
   When: Wednesday 31 July - Thursday 1 August, 8:30am to 5:00pm
   Where: Speed Airport, 2574 Sunraysia Hwy, Speed VIC 3488 
2. Sheepvention 
   When: Sunday 04 Aug 2019
   Where: CRT Innovations Hub, Hamilton Showgrounds, Shakespeare St, Hamilton.

Safe Work Australia news
Fatality statistics
CHECK There was still no update to the notified fatalities on the Safe Work Australia site: as of June 6, there had been 64 fatalities notified to the national body. This is eight more in the time since its last update on May 16 The workers killed came from the following industries:

• 23 in Transport, postal & warehousing
• 15 in Agriculture, forestry & fishing
• 11 in Construction
• 7 in Public Administration & safety
• 4 in Electricity, gas, water & waste services
• 2 in Mining
• 1 in manufacturing
• 1 in 'Other services'

To check for updates, and for more details on fatalities since 2003, go to the Safe Work Australia Work-related fatalities webpage and in particular, here.